School Bus Safety

It is very important to pay attention and follow all traffic rules when driving around school buses. All school buses have flashing lights and a stop arm to alert you when to stop.

Yellow lights will begin to flash to warn drivers that a bus is approaching a stop. This is your signal to slow down and prepare to stop.

If you are approaching a school bus from either direction with flashing red lights, you must stop at least 25 feet away from the bus. If you are driving on the opposite side of the road with a median in the middle, you must then slow down to 10 miles per hour.

Do not pass a bus in either direction when its stop arm is extended. However, if the bus has stopped in front of a school, you may then pass it from either direction at no more than 10 mph.

Walking Safely Near School Buses
Most school bus-related accidents occur within a 10-foot radius around the bus, where the driver has limited visibility. This area is called the "danger zone." It extends to 30 feet in front of the bus.

To avoids accidents, teach your child to use caution when getting on or off the bus and always to stay out of the danger zone.

Helpful Hints

Always be seated with seat belts fastened while the bus is moving.

Stay outside the danger zone and wait for the driver’s signal when getting on the bus and stay in a single file line

When getting off the bus, look to both sides before stepping off to make sure no cars are passing

Before crossing the street, take 5 GIANT steps away from the bus or until you can see the driver's face. Wait for the driver’s signal to know that it is safe to cross

Look left-right-left when you reach the edge of the bus to make sure traffic has stopped